Editors Notes: The following are excerpts from Father Mark Leondis,
who is the National Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, at the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in New York.

The Fathers of the Church were men who lived holy lives in this temporal
world. They are role models for us today. They did not only write about
their faith, they lived their faith. The did not only talk about their
faith, they walked their faith. Much like us, they sinned daily - but more
importantly, they also repented daily. All Fathers are Saints, but not
all Saints are Fathers.

The Fathers of the Church left us only with writings and teachings
on scripture, theology, and church history, but also on daily living. They
left us with pearls of the faith. Some of their words took place thousands
of years ago, but are ever so applicable today.

Their writings and thoughts helped develop the doctrine of our Church.
As a whole, the writings of the Fathers, built upon the biblical and
liturgical foundation of Christian life, had great authority with the Orthodox
Church, and are primary sources for the discovery of the Church doctrine.
(Father Thomas Hopko).

Although the term "Patristic" usually denotes the early Church Fathers
closing with St. John Damascus in the 9th century, Orthodox Christians
believe that we are still living in the Patristic era. Such examples of
post ninth century fathers are St. Photius from the 9th century, St. Gregory
Palamas from the 14th century, St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain of the
18th century, and St. Nektarios from the 20th century. The church has never
stopped producing Fathers because the Holy Spirit is continuously working.

The Holy Fathers do not write their own words, but rather are guided
and inspired through the Holy Spirit. Saint John Damascus, in his book:
"The Fountain of Knowledge" writes "what I say is not mine, but
from the previous Fathers." He re-capitulated most of the Patristic
Theology up to the 8th century.

There are three basic criteria to become a "Father of the Church":

Orthodoxy of Doctrine

Holiness of Life

The Acceptance of the Church

To be a Father, one must also be a teacher of the Church. St. Anthony
the Great could not read or write, but was considered a Father because
of his teachings which are passed down to us today. He was illiterate,
but inspired by the Holy Spirit.

There is a fourth century story about some monks who asked St. Athanasius
how St. Anthony became an ascetic. His response was to "always breathe
Christ". Perhaps, the greatest example that we can take from the Holy
Fathers is to focus on the heavenly. This is what made them exemplary!
This is what made them holy! They strived to continually place their focus
on Christ, and we too must learn to do the same."

Let us read the Holy Fathers when we do not fully understand especially
when we are reading the Holy Scriptures, and to allow them to guide us
on our path towards our salvation.

Through the prayers of the Holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of
God, have mercy
upon us and save us!

Glory To Thee, O GOD
Glory To Thee!

GLORY BE TO GOD FOR ALL THINGS!

Peace be unto your soul!

God Love And Bless You!

Humbly In Christ Our Lord,
+ Reverend Presbyter Demetrios Serfes
Who prays for you and with you!